Leelavathi

Born: N/A

Actress

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Rising Talent

Last Updated on 14 Nov 2025

Leelavathi is a legendary Indian actress who made an everlasting mark in South Indian cinema, especially in Kannada, Tamil, and Te...

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Leelavathi is a legendary Indian actress who made an everlasting mark in South Indian cinema, especially in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu films. She began her acting journey in the 1950s and went on to appear in more than 600 films. Known for her emotional depth and graceful performances, she excelled in portraying motherly and character driven roles that connected deeply with audiences. Her strong screen presence, expressive acting, and dedication made her one of the most respected and admired actresses of her era. Over her long and successful career, she received numerous awards and honors, celebrating her immense contribution to Indian cinema.

Leelavathi is a veteran Indian film actress who has been a part of the South Indian film industry for more than five decades. She was born in Karnataka and began her film career at a young age. Her passion for acting led her to work across multiple languages including Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. She gained recognition for her powerful performances and emotional range, particularly in family dramas and social films. Leelavathi collaboration with legendary actors and directors brought her immense fame and respect. She is also known for her charitable nature and involvement in social causes. Her journey from a small town girl to one of the most iconic actresses in Indian cinema stands as a source of inspiration for many aspiring artists.

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Personal details

Alternative names Leela; Height 5'3"/58kg; Born · Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Spouses: Children Vinod Raj

FAQ

Leelavathi is best known for her emotional performances and powerful motherly roles in South Indian cinema, particularly in Kannada films.

She has acted in more than 600 films across Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu languages during her long career.

Leelavathi began her acting journey in the 1950s and quickly gained recognition for her natural acting and expressive performances.

Yes, Leelavathi has received numerous awards including state film awards and lifetime achievement recognitions for her contributions to Indian cinema.

Her son Vinod Raj is an actor, and her grandson Puneeth Rajkumar was a popular Kannada film star.

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Trivia

Leelavathi started acting at a very young age and went on to work in more than 600 films.
She has acted alongside many top South Indian actors including Rajkumar and Sivaji Ganesan.
She has also produced films and supported several upcoming artists in the industry.
She is known for her charitable activities and involvement in community development.
Leelavathi is considered one of the first few Kannada actresses to gain recognition across South India.

Quotes

"Cinema has given me love respect and an identity that I cherish forever"
"Every role I played had a piece of my real self in it"
"True acting comes from emotion not imitation"

Trademarks

Emotionally rich performances
Strong motherly and character roles
Graceful screen presence
Powerful dialogues delivered with intensity
Dedication and sincerity to her craft